The best punch trackers on the market
15th August 2022
By: Ryan Gurewitz
Chapter Two of The Takeover
After a nine-month layoff, Teófimo “The Takeover” López made his highly anticipated return to the ring last night against Pedro Campa in Las Vegas. Following a shock defeat to George Kambosos Jr. in November of last year, Teófimo entered the ring at 140 for the first time, looking to start his climb to the top of the junior welterweight division. Overcoming his first defeat wasn’t the only obstacle in the way for Teófimo; after his bout with George Kambosos, the 25-year-old discovered that he had been fighting with pneumomediastinum. With many doctors coming out and saying Teófimo López could’ve died that night, there is no questioning the mental strength of the former unified lightweight champion.
Teófimo López’s return headlined a Top Rank card that featured the likes of rising Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas and Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan. However, all eyes were on López as the world wondered whether we would see the man who beat former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko or the man dropped and outpointed by George Kambosos. A big 135-pounder, Teófimo López’s move up to 140 was one he had planned for a long time. With Jack Catterall, Josh Taylor, Regis Prograis, and Anrold Barboza Jr. (who watched ringside) all eying the two vacant belts of the division, Teófimo needed an emphatic performance to cement himself in that killer’s row.
CHECK OUT THE BEST PUNCH TRACKERS ON THE MARKET
His performance was impressive; Teófimo looked even faster at the new weight class and landed thudding shots that forced referee Tony Weeks to wave it off in the 7th, and improved his record to 18-1 . As impressive as his performance was, this was exactly what was expected. Getting the job done against Pedro Campa was the first step; the second step will require López to fight one of the division’s elite. Being a former unified champion in a different weight class will give López all the credentials he needs to get a fight against a top opponent. However, with the IBF and WBO champion tied up with a rematch against Jack Catterall, Regis Progrois and Jose Zepeda scheduled to fight for the vacant WBC title, The Takeover will have to look in another direction. Two names jump to mind, former champion José Ramirez and rising star Arnold Barboza Jr. Both would be a big step up from Pedro Campa, and both would truly test Teófimo López and answer the question of, is the takeover back on? Both López Jr. and López Sr. expressed their desire for the Josh Taylor fight.
Written By: Ryan Gurewitz (@ryangurewitz)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
